gair CARDIFF’S STUDENT WEEKLY
rhydd free word - EST. 1972
RULING THE AIRWAVES Xpress Radio launch on FM this Friday and gair rhydd is tuning in
NO PLACE LEFT TO GO Asylum Seekers in Cardiff: A special investigation by Paul Dicken INVESTIGATIONS: PAGE 5
Uni allows fee-problem students extra time
YOU’RE FEE TO STAY
STUDENTS LEFT out of pocket by the loans fiasco have raised concerns about their future at Cardiff University. Several students remain without their loans or even confirmation of their entitlement to funding – resulting in failure to pay their tuition fees. Following this discovery, gair rhydd has gained confirmation from the University that temporary enrolment will be increased "as appropriate." Rachel Jones, a third year music student, is one of those hit by the problem – thought to have been caused by the malfunction of the Student Loan Company’s new computer system. She told gair rhydd: "I handed my form in by the deadline and had my loan by enrolment, but what I haven’t had is the assessment letter, which proves the Local Education Authority will pay my fees." In response to Ms Jones’s comments, a spokesperson for Carephilly Local Education Authority said: "The letter is now on its way." When asked as to the reason for the delay, they said they could not detect any
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By Matt Wilkin and Dave Doyle
ISSUE 772. October 25 2004
problems with the application and that the responsibility for mailing out letters lies solely with the Student Loans Company. New computer software was introduced at the SLC at the end of last year to allow students to apply online, and permit finance officers at local authorities to track applications. In a statement, the Glasgow-based company reiterated that those students who applied on time would be paid. "Our plans will ensure that all students who applied on time will not be left out of pocket. “Students who applied after the cut-off date will have their application processed as quickly as possible and will be paid during their first term. "However, as in previous years, we cannot guarantee the date of payments for late applicants or those who did not submit their applications correctly." Ben Lewis, Head of the Student Advisory Service, urges students worried about missing their payment deadlines not to panic. "In general, first years will be the largest group affected, and we have made plans for temporary enrolment to be extended in this
case. "Where second, third or fourth year students are concerned, it is suggested that they pay the level fee that applied last year and if, when they receive their letter, an adjustment is required, the institution will facilitate this. "The Student Advisory Service has an emergency loan fund and interim payments from the SLC may be available for those that require immediate assistance." The Union is actively seeking to ascertain what the key problem was this year and achieve a resolution so that future students will not be affected by a similar fiasco next summer. The problem has also been tackled by President for Humanities and Social Sciences, Pete Goodman, who said: "I have spoken with the NUS to see what we could do as a national body. "A motion has been passed through the Students’ Union Council and which has now been submitted to the NUS Wales Winter conference. "I think it’s disgraceful how students have not received their loans on time this year, leaving many in Cardiff and across Wales financially desolate."
Foxy Lady
By Charlotte Styles Reporter CARDIFF’S AUSTRALIAN connections were finally extinguished on Tuesday, after an animal believed to be a kangaroo, was caught and put down. The elusive creature first thought to be a kangaroo, and then a wallaby, had been roaming Cardiff’s streets for nearly a week when it was eventually identified as a mangy fox with a gammy leg. The mystery marsupial dubbed Rory the Roogitive was finally named and shamed after specialists from Longleat Safari Park and the National Museum of Wales spotted the differences between a kangaroo and a fox. Following expert opinions the RSPCA set traps in gardens to capture the animal. After five days searching Cardiff’s outback, the mystery was finally solved when Peter Howlett, curator of vertebrates at the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff, studied a photo of the animal. He concluded that the animal, most probably a fox, was suffering from mange, which causes fur loss. It is estimated that the animal had lost 95% of its fur, leaving it without its bushy tail. He also said that the animal’s legs were too long and that the animal had an injury causing it to hop. The fox was put down by an RSPCA officer who felt it was too ill to recover.